Savannah Taraxacum: Rewriting The Rules of Wellness
As the founder of Savvy and Strong and co-founder of Softcore Wellness, Savannah Taraxacum is shifting fitness away from punishment. Blending strength training with emotional awareness and nervous system support, she’s building a model of wellness rooted in meeting people where they are. That same ethos extends to her advocacy at End Overdose, where she focuses on education, access and breaking down the stigma around addiction.
Soft Core Wellness pushes back on perfection. How do you encourage people to shift their mindset around fitness?
I used to work out in a self-punishing way where I had to see a certain number on the scale, but for me, yoga changed everything. It showed me fitness could be emotional and spiritual too. Today, I encourage women to shift the focus of their workout away from visual goals to feeling goals. What makes you feel strong and energized? Remember, softening doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey that takes practice.
What lessons have you learned from End Overdose that you hope people will carry into their community?
I’ve lost people close to me, including my brother, to a fentanyl overdose. It can truly happen anytime, anywhere. At End Overdose, we work to normalize OD reversing tools like Naloxone and addiction itself. Addiction is a disease, and when we approach it with empathy, we can save lives.
What’s your advice for shaping a space that uplifts others?
Ask for help, stay open and authentic and focus on your strengths. Even when I’m teaching 130-person classes, I greet everyone and learn names. That makes people feel seen, fosters a safe space and helps me to give my best.
